When Power Lines Fall: Your Essential Guide to Electrical Emergency Safety in Dallas County
Electrical emergencies don’t wait for convenient moments. When severe weather strikes Dallas County, downed power lines can cause serious injury or even death, making it crucial for residents to know exactly how to respond. Whether it’s a storm-damaged line in your yard or a power outage affecting your entire neighborhood, understanding proper safety protocols can save lives and prevent devastating accidents.
The Hidden Dangers of Downed Power Lines
Assume any downed or low-hanging power line is energized and dangerous. An energized line may not spark, smoke or make any noise, which makes visual assessment unreliable. The ground around power lines – up to 35 feet away – may be energized, creating an invisible zone of danger that extends far beyond the actual wire.
Water is a natural conductor of electricity and a downed line in a puddle or flooded area can electrify it, creating a deadly hazard. This is particularly important for Dallas County residents to remember, as severe weather is Texas’s most common cause of power outages, and Dallas is no exception. Tropical storms, thunderstorms, and high winds, which frequently occur from March through June, can knock down powerlines.
Immediate Actions When You Encounter Downed Lines
Your first priority is distance and communication. Warn others to stay at least 30 feet away from downed distribution lines and at least 100 feet away from downed transmission lines. Call 911 immediately to report the emergency and provide the exact location.
Never approach or attempt to move a line under any circumstances. Do not attempt to move a downed power line or anything else in contact with it by using an object such as a broom or stick. Even seemingly safe objects can conduct electricity and put you at risk.
If you need to move away from a dangerous area, the proper way to move away from the power line is to shuffle away with small steps, keeping your feet together and on the ground at all times. This shuffling technique minimizes the risk of electrical shock by preventing your body from bridging different voltage zones.
Vehicle Safety Around Downed Lines
If your vehicle comes into contact with a downed power line, stay in your car. Honk your horn to summon help, but direct others to stay away from your car. If the vehicle cannot be moved, stay inside until electric utility workers notify you it is safe to exit.
Only exit if there’s imminent danger like fire. In that case, jump out of the vehicle with both feet together and avoid contact with both the car and the ground at the same time. Land with your feet together and shuffle at least 50 feet away while keeping your feet close together and on the ground at all times.
Helping Others Safely
Never touch a person who is in contact with a downed power line. You could become the next victim. Human bodies can conduct electricity, which means the electricity will be passed on to you. Instead, call 911 for help and maintain a safe distance until professional help arrives.
Storm Damage and Ongoing Hazards
Downed trees could have wires caught in them and wood can conduct electricity when wet. Avoid coming in contact with branches or trees if they have fallen. Circuits do not always turn off when a power line falls into a tree or onto the ground. Reloaders automatically try to reset circuits and restore power when it is interrupted, meaning lines can become energized without warning.
When to Call Professional Help
For Dallas County residents facing electrical emergencies, professional help is just a phone call away. When you need an emergency electrician Dallas County, TX, Carroll Service Co provides 24/7 response with licensed technicians who understand local electrical challenges and safety codes.
Carroll Service Co provides this critical Emergency Electrician service to households and businesses throughout DFW and Mid-Cities. We address issues that pose a risk to safety or cause significant disruption, getting your power back on and your property secure. Carroll Service Company started as a family vision to provide Fort Worth with dependable electrical services when you need them most. For over 25 years, we’ve built our reputation on showing up when we say we will, doing the work right the first time, and treating every customer like family.
Prevention and Preparedness
Every home should have an emergency kit to keep your family safe when the lights go out. Ideally, keep the contents in a waterproof bin in a safe, accessible location in your home. Have a fully stocked emergency kit ready ahead of time, and know where you can find it in your house. Based on FEMA recommendations, your emergency kit should contain three days of water, non-perishable food, first aid, backup batteries for radios and flashlights.
Stay informed about weather conditions and potential outages. Check local radio, television, or online news stations to stay updated on emergency conditions. CoServ also shares emergency updates on social media to help keep you informed.
Your Safety is the Priority
Remember that to avoid being electrocuted, stay at least 35 feet away from fallen power lines and anything they may be touching. Always stay home during an outage unless someone needs emergency medical attention. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and contact emergency services.
Electrical emergencies are serious situations that require immediate professional attention. By following these safety guidelines and knowing when to call for help, Dallas County residents can protect themselves, their families, and their neighbors during power line emergencies. Stay safe, stay informed, and never hesitate to call 911 when electrical safety is at risk.